“I didn’t really consider myself a carer,” says Strathaven mum, Lorna Leggatt, when talking about her son Ellis.
Like other boys his age, Ellis went to school, enjoyed being with his friends, and attending clubs.
“It wasn’t until he left high school that it became more apparent I was perhaps doing more than some other parents,” adds Lorna.
Ellis has additional support needs and, because he received lots of professional help when he was younger, it was only when he got older that Lorna realised she was both a mum and a carer.
“Ellis can’t just jump in a car and go out and about on his own,” says Lorna. “He needs more care than a typical 26-year-old. He attends college, loves theatre, and goes to the cinema, all the usual things for a person his age. The difference is I facilitate it.
“I’ll help him with getting ready before we head out, I’ll drive him to where he needs to go, making sure I’m there for him whenever he needs me.”
In 2019, Lorna sadly lost her husband who was also Ellis’ dad. Supporting Ellis as a single parent led to an increase in Lorna’s caring role.
That’s when she learned there was financial support available for carers like her.
Carer Support Payment, which replaces Carer’s Allowance in Scotland, recognises the vital contribution of unpaid carers, with those eligible able to receive £81.90 per week.
To receive Carer Support Payment, carers must be 16 or over and provide unpaid care for 35 hours or more a week to someone who receives a qualifying disability benefit. The carer also needs to earn less than £151 per week after tax, National Insurance, and expenses.
Unlike Carer’s Allowance, Carer Support Payment is also available to those in education at college or university. This includes part-time students, full-time students aged 20 or over, and students under 20 who are in advanced or higher education.
If you currently receive other financial support such as Universal Credit or State Pension, you can still be eligible for Carer Support Payment.
Carer Support Payment can affect other benefits, but it’s still worth applying as you’ll usually be better off overall – and it could also open up other support for you. Find out more about how Carer Support Payment can affect other benefits on the mygov.scot website.
There are thousands of unpaid carers across Scotland, like Lorna, who support family members, friends, and neighbours every day.
This support comes in many forms, from food shopping and cooking meals, to helping with medication, providing transport, or just keeping someone company so they don’t feel alone.
But many don’t even recognise themselves as a carer, and feel they’re simply doing what a family or friend would naturally do, which means they could be missing out on money they are entitled to from Social Security Scotland.
“Supporting someone with additional support needs is like having a job,” says Lorna.
“The financial support I received after my husband died became more important. My daily routine revolves around Ellis and any extra help goes a long way.
“I encourage anyone who feels they carry out the role of an unpaid carer to find out more about the financial help available.”